No really, I am not a needy, self-help junkie. I am a successful, dynamic, and strong professional who really benefited from the kind and true words spoken here. There is real value in what the authors are saying here. There is genuine focus and strength in developing your mission statement in relation to love, career, and life. I would highly recommend reading "Liberating Your Magnifigance", and "The Love You Deserve" to get the most out of this experience with the Pecks. Listening to the tapes is like listening to very close friends. The Pecks talk about relationships; transcending gender, spirituality, and common roles that we are all forced into, and much more! These two speakers are honest and bold. They address issues in clear, concise language (and not too much fru-fru) that are not always spoken about in self-help books, and really demonstrate a path to helping others realize their highest sense of purpose and love for themselves and others. It's no wonder that these books and tapes have done so well. I myself have loaned out the tapes to various friends who swap them around amongst themselves. As for the books, I have given copies to friends who are skeptical at first, but afterwards tell me how enriching and wonderful it was to them. I keep my copies on my bookshelf for myself, and occasionally read my favorite chapters when I feel that I need it in my personal as well as professional life. So why do I give the tapes a "four"? Because, as wonderful as each book and tape set is, only altogether, do they synergize to a "five"!

Stop! Don't date without listening to these tapes! A friend once told me that the potentially singlemost important decision you could make in your lifetime is who you decide to marry. I am single, never been married and I am so glad I was fortunate enough to be able to be exposed to "All the Love You Could Ever Want" prior to embarking on my marriage journey. Listening to them has literally reshaped my experience in how I approach dating as a result. I used to be so disillusioned about relationships, having been disappointed time after time. The deeply sincere and uplifting content of the Peck's tapes has rescued me from harmful patterns and quite possibly years of repeat history. They lay down their experience with such openly original and fresh inspiration it can melt the most cynical and wounded of hearts. What both an incredible ally and invaluable resource companion "All the Love You Could Ever Want" will become for you.

For weeks, every time I got in my car, All the Love You Could Ever Want! spoke to me from my stereo. Love went with me everywhere. To see how powerful Love can be in facing any life challenge was revealing and healing. I'm grateful to the Pecks for sharing their gift -- the understanding and application of living love!

I was really looking forward to this book coming out ever since I read the first in the series. However, I'm sorry to say that while I'm pleased with the story line and the "courtroom drama" part of the book, I'm extrememly disappointed with the depth of the characters. I felt like I had missed a huge step in the relationship between Kit Shannon and Ted Fox. There wasn't the normal feeling of knowing the characters and feeling emotions along with them. You almost don't have any reaction to situations in the book that should have effects like shock, hurt, joy, and torn feelings. Instead, you're left saying, "Okay, when did this develop?" I felt like I had been left out of a big part in the characters lives in the beginning of the book and that ended up ruining the rest of my emotions and perspective on the characters for the rest of the story. Now that I've completely bashed the character relations, I can say that the actual storyline is very interesting and suspenseful. Kit Shannon always keeps you guessing as to how she's going to prove this or get out of that. If you've already read City of Angels, then you must read Angels Flight just because of the whole courtroom message.

...

Peterson and Bell have crafted another highly suspenseful novel. It will definitely keep you asking, "What really happened" and the courtroom scenes are some of the best in the book. Kit is, as always, an inspiring female character with admirable convictions and enviable smarts. Although the "love" side of this book definitely took a back seat to the "courtroom" aspects of it, I thought that that was understandable and realistic. It is hardly like Kit is going to be searching for Mr. Right and evidence for her case at the same time, and it is made clear throughout the series that Kit feels God leading her to practice law at this time in her life... Read this book-and have the third book in this series ready for after you turn the last page of "Angels Flight".

This is a really great series judging from the first two books. I love the setting of Los Angeles in the early 1900's, and Kit Shannon is a wonderful character. She is inspiring and strong, but not in a false way (which is how I feel about too many of the women characters in novels today).

All in all, this is a terrific saga and I hope it continues (I know there is at least one more book to come, and I hope it's soon!)

Events in this book revolve around the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1985. It is not only the story of how this came to pass, but an examination of US drug policy in the '70s and '80s, and reveals the flimsiness of Reagan's "war on drugs." The reader will be outraged by the manner in which political considerations took precedence over the apprehension of the killers of an American agent. Despite my outrage at what I read, the book is gripping and an excellent piece of documentary work. An excellent case study of the investigation into the Sinaloa cartel.

As a current federal "narc" and former "border rat" (9 years on the US/Mexico border in California), I feel that Shannon did an excellent job portraying the past drug problems in Mexico. Guess what? We did not solve them then and the problem is worse now. Customs Commisioner Von Raab and DEA Administrator Lawn were very outspoken on the issue of the kidnapping of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. Of course, that was before the days of "political correctness". America still refuses to decertify Mexico due to their unwillingness to truly combat drugs and continued reputation of graft and corruption. Having met and worked with many mentioned in DESPERADOS, I have utmost respect for those who indeed fought the drug war. Elaine Shannon's DESPERADOS is worth the time to read and is a must for the drug agent's home or office library.

This book should be read by all law enforcement oficers who enforce drug laws. Will enlighten and enrage at the same time, I would recomend it as reading for all law enforcement who work along the US/mex border or any city plagued by narcotics.

"The Encounter" written by Jane Yolen, is a historically accurate fiction. As a departure from the other writing style she shows, this book is not light-hearted, but rather a serious work written with an intention to educate. Of course, to keep the reader focussed and interested in a story that s/he may have heard hundreds of times already, some high drama is added.

The book leaves one with a slight over-all feeling of sorrow, but accomplishes its purpose. Read it, even if you decide not to own it. For a bit of a pick-me-up, re-read Jane Yolen's "Wizard's Hall" (very entertaining, even after four years of looking).

First found this book when I was student teaching. Such a powerful book, both to teach history/social studies and to see that every story has two sides. I've been in 2 classrooms since and have decided I can't live without this book.

beautiful illustrations, lovely story, unique and unusual point-of-view.

This book is one of my favorite keepers. If you can get a copy, it'll be well worth it. I read this many years ago and the most memorable story is Devil's Keep by Brandewyne. This is a beautiful vampire romance with scorching text! I have never forgotten the emotions and the erotic passion I experienced when reading about Count von Reicher and his son's governess, Lenore Blakely. I have yet to find another story that evokes such intense rapture and such a good feeling at the end! I give this one 5+ stars. The other stories are very good too, and my overall rating is 4+ stars for the collection.

Bewitching Love Stories is an anthology written by four favorite authors. It is Hot, Hot, Hot!!

Devil's Keep written by Rebecca Brandewyne is a KEEPER! Count Drogo von Reicher places an ad in the London Times seeking a governess for his young son. Lenore Blakeley's ravishing beauty and gentleness immediately places her in danger. She arouses dark, sinister desires in her mysterious employer who is no man at all but a vampire.

The love scenes in this story are positively scourching!! They are hot enough to keep you warm even in sub zero temperatures. Grab a copy and enjoy!!

Shannon Drake's Vanquish The Night was another great read. David Drago is a vampire who has searched hundreds of years for his lost love, Anne Pemberton. He is not noble or gentle. He is ruthless and . . . evil. He intends to have Anne and will allow nothing or no one to stop him. Anne has encountered this vampire long ago in another life. She escaped him through death but this time David Drago is very determined to claim Anne for his own. He will not allow her to seek death.

This story was incredible. The menace, danger and suspense kept the pages turning until the very last. A Keeper!

Kasey Michael's My Aunt Grizelda was another good read. The romantic dreams of a lovely, poor nanny are made true by a well-meaning witch. Sweet story.

Lastly, is Christina Skye's What Dreams May Come. An artist risks her sanity and her heart while encountering a ghostly protector. Great story that will renew your faith in love.

Enjoy!!

Bewitching Love Stories
Anthology -
Devil's Keep Rebecca Brandewyne 5*
This was a real sensual delight and so worth the entire book - although the other stories were very, very good. Count Drago von Reicher puts an advertisement in the paper for a governess for his son. Lenore Blakely answers the ad after being turned down so many times before due to a lack of references from former employers. It seemed that wives did not look kindly towards beautiful governesses once their husbands and sons were effectively rebuked by Lenore. She is hired sight unseen and without an interview by the Count - her first inkling that something might not be right. But, considering the fact that she was close to being totally impoverished, she accepted the position. Upon meeting her employer, the extremely dark and enigmatic Count, her first instinct was to run, but after gazing into his eyes this soon became an impossibility.
The reader as well as our heroine is then hooked - pulled into this devastatingly sensual adventure to mind boggling delights of the senses. The love story here transcends all time and is truly fabulous for such a short novella.

Vanquish the Night - Shannon Drake 4*
Colonel Michael Johnston, famed war hero and Indian fighter felt the evil coming into the night on the cool breeze, but never imagined it would be a fight for the very survival of the woman he loved.
Anne Pemberton was a descendant from a very strong woman, one who committed suicide rather than live with evil. The very handsome and enigmatic, David Drago had searched for centuries to find Anne, the one woman he would take for his bride to live in the darkness and evil that was his domain. It took all the faith and love Anne and Michael had for each other to face down and destroy the vampire - proving that love and faith could conquer evil.
This was a very fast and sensually written read with this time, a very bad type vampire! Good story.

My Aunt Grizelda by Kasey Michaels 4*
I really liked this story which kind of reminded me of Cinderella and gave me visions of the very inept and bumbling witch from the TV series Bewitched . Do you remember Aunt Clara? As you read this delightful story - Aunt Clara is pictured quite vividly in my imagination. The sensuality is minimal in this story of the governess who falls happily in love with the Earl, but the laughs are numerous. Ms. Michaels witty dialog is delightful and this story is quite like reading a fairytale. But I do believe in magic and fairytales so - Yes - I liked it!

What Dreams May Come - Christina Skye 5*
Re-enter the ethereally beautiful world of Draycott Abbey, where Adrian Draycott, the resident ghost and caretaker resides with his ever faithful companion, Gideon. Once more, Adrian has been awakened with feelings of danger in the wind. He is feeling depressed, ever since he had helped his brother (in one of his many incarnations) find his way back to loving his reincarnated soul mate. With Nicholas and K.C. on their honeymoon, he is really annoyed that a woman has entered his precious Abbey. More annoying is the fact that without trying, his ghostly being has become quite real, flesh and blood! And, this woman has aroused in him feelings in his, shall we say, man-parts, that haven't been aroused in centuries!

Who is this woman, Gray Mackenzie? Why can she see him, and touch him and arouse him to such a fever? What is the secret she hides, and why can he not remember who she is? In this very, very sensual offering from Ms. Skye you are in for the treat of your life as you experience a most ghostly affair! Dynamite love scenes that will curl your toes! And of course, there is Adrian, my own personal dream of who I'd like to haunt me! Super read.

I enjoyed this story because first, it didn't take place in London during the season. And second, both lead characters are strong willed adults who had to work for a living, not spoiled beautiful members of the ton. Both characters had a bad experience in their first loves, so they both have to work out trusting one another, talk about the pass, and allowing love to enter their hearts.

It's always refreshing to read a debut book and find oneself totally charmed. The last time this happened for me was with Anne Gracie's Gallant Waif. So, I look for a happy future with Shannon Donnelly.

The plot for A Compromising Situation has been summed up well by other reviewers so I won't go over it again. I would simply like to agree with others who found this adult story about grown up people a real treat. This book is a little dark; not much in the way of light relief appears. Indeed, at first I thought that the dowager Lady Rothe would be a comic character but we eventually see that she, like the Colonel and Maeve, has her own sadness and regrets.

Another reviewer has mentioned the slightly odd choice of the heroine's surname - Midden - and I have to say I agree; afterall the word means dunghill! However, overlook this little distraction and enjoy some excellent story telling, quality prose, well-drawn characters and follow Maeve and Lord Rothe as they find a deep and unexpected happiness with each other.

I look forward to joining Clarissa in her London debut and hope to meet the newly married Lord and Lady Rothe again in A Dangerous Compromise.

A Compromising Situation is, indeed, a remarkable debut book. Mark my words, however, you'll be hearing a lot about Shannon Donnelly during the next years; she is an author to be reckoned with, believe me!

The depth of the characterization in this book is extraordinary. A sentence, sometimes merely one word, conveys more here than entire pages have in other books. Another plus (at least to this reviewer) is the ages of those characters: Maeve Midden is eight-and-twenty, rather old for a heroine, while the hero, Colonel Andrew Derhurst, now Lord Rothe, is ten years her senior.

One of the problems with the primogeniture system is, if something happens to the primo, the secondary is seldom sufficiently experienced, much less trained to step up and into primo's empty boots. Such is the case with the Colonel, a second son who was sent off to the military at the age of eighteen, courtesy of his father who obligingly purchased his colors for him. The fact that perhaps the lad might not have wanted colors had no influence on the father; the older son would be the next Lord Rothe, and there was an end to it.

When that older son dies, the by-then Colonel is sent home to take over the estates and the title--plus the widow and teen-aged daughter of his brother. They seem like empty-headed flibber-tee-gibbets to the battled-hardened Andrew, who has no patience with them, nor the drawing room skills needed to build a relationship with the only family he now has left to him.

Maeve, on the other hand, was born a gentlewoman, but left motherless at the age of four. Hard-headed and stubborn, she willingly cooperated in her own ruination at the hands of an experienced rake. When her father disowned her, she turned to the only person who had ever been kind to her--her teacher, Miss Midden. Soon, however, Maeve is out on her own again, and becomes a governess.

Thus, these two lost souls are brought together in a highly believable manner, and in spite of themselves, are drawn one to the other. Of course, the teen-aged Clarissa protests the title of governess assigned to Maeve, who suggests instead that of companion. And it is thus that this relationship is forged. Clarissa is a rare handful, indeed, and unknowingly brings the two older persons together, in a startling twist to the 'unsuitable elopement' gambit.

This is an outstanding traditional Regency romance; you'll find something marvelous on every page. I just wish the author had chosen a better surname for Maeve to assume. But if that's the only gripe I can find in this most satisfying book--well, then, the author must indeed know best. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book from the very talented Ms. Donnelly, and I'll bet you'll feel the same way, too.

I've read several of Shannon Drake's novels and this is not one of my favorites. I think her medieval stories are a lot better than her civil war and American West ones. Skylar is annoying. Her "fighting spirit" is irritating. She's just a shrew. If I were Hawk, I would have left her on the prairie somewhere.

I am a big fan of Elizabeth Lowell and Johanna Lindsey. I am also very scepticle about reading other authors I don't know anything about. I have to tell you that this series of books No Other Man, No Other Woman and No Other Love are AWESOME!! I couldn't put these books down. I had them all read in a week. Between the romance and mysterys, they quite captivating. They are a must read set of books!!

If you are looking for a great book read "No other Man". Shannon Drake will transport you to the world of Skylar Douglas. You will get to feel that you are living all the passion that is described in this book. Once you are done with this book read "No other Woman" and "No other Love"

I bought this book because I heard them review it on NPR. It was not a disappointment. The drawings do have a Sendak feel to them, but they are freer and looser than the tight ink drawings in Where the Wild Things Are. The story has a different twist to it. One thing I love about it is that instead of the princess being focused on getting a man, this princess yearns for freedom and a chance to play. That's a nice change of pace from all the Cinderellas and Sleeping Beautys and I think teaches a better lesson. This is my second copy, because my niece discovered this one day while playing here and fell in love with it immediately.

The Red Wolf , by Margaret Shannon, is a wonderful twist on the princess locked alone in a tower story. A young princess is locked away in a high tower by her father the king. Being the king's only daughter he fears for her safety and feels locking her away is the best way to protect her. One day the lonely princess receives a gold box with nothing inside of it but knitting needles and balls of colored thread. A note inside the box reads, "Knit what ever you like." The princess knits herself a red suit. When the princess puts on the red suit she turns into a red wolf. The princess grows bigger and bigger, until finally she bursts out of the tower. No one in the kingdom
recognizes her. Even the king thinks his daughter has been eaten by the big red wolf. Enjoying her new found freedom the princess dashes off; stomping all about and doing just what she pleases. The princess enters the forrest. When part of her wolf suit gets
caught on a tree and begins to unravel (As the wolf suit unravels she grows smaller and smaller) the princess disappears. Later she is found sleeping under a tree and promptly
locked back up in a brand new tower. Not to worry though, in the end the princess knits a special suit for the king. When the king puts on the gift from his daughter, he turns into a mouse. In the final illustration of the book the princess is going off to play while the king looks on from the tower. The illusrations are magnificient and the story is delightfuly told. I especially loved the description of the princess dissappearing into the trees when her wolf suit unravels. I give The Red Wolf an A +.

Preston McClear...

"There was once a little princess called Roselupin, who was kept locked up at the top of a tall, stony tower. "The world is a wild and dangerous place, Roselupin," her father, the king, would tell her. "Far too wild for my precious princess." Poor Roselupin longed to leave her tower and visit the world. On her seventh birthday, she receives a large golden box with her name on it spelled out in jewels. Inside the box are balls and balls of different colored yarns, and a note that directs her to "KNIT WHAT YOU WANT." The king laughs at such a silly gift, and tells Roselupin to knit him a nice scarf, but she has other plans. All night long she knits away, and by morning has finished a bright red wool, wolf suit. She puts on the costume and says..."If the world's to wild for the likes of me,/Then a BIG RED WOLF I'd rather be." And with that, she begins to grow and grow "until she burst right through the roof of the tall, stony tower and, with one giant leap, was out in the forest." She ate, she danced, she howled, and best of all slept under the stars, free at last. But as Roselupin ran through the deep, dark, woods, her wolf suit caught on branches, and she began to slowly unravel..... Margaret Shannon has authored a marvelous modern fairy tale with a gentle message that won't be lost on young children. Her engaging text begs to be read aloud, and is complemented by bold, bright, and evocative illustrations, and youngsters will enjoy poring over the pictures and finding all the wonderful details in Ms Shannon's expressive artwork. With an amusing, surprise twist at the end, The Red Wolf is a very satisfying story the whole family can share and discuss together, and makes a terrific addition to all home bookshelves.

I agree with the above reviewer, two out of the three are really good and unfortunately it was also the third one I didn't care for as much. Notice, though, I say, as much. I really enjoyed all three. Short stories are great to read because they are short stories. You can usually read them in one sitting (hence the name "short stories").

Of the three stories, I enjoyed the middle one the most. The naming of the kittens kept me in stiches for days but it was more than that. It was the feel and texture of the book which made it wonderful to read.

I live in Arizona so I really don't have weather changes here and this is just a great book. If you live in a warm state, like I do, this book is wonderful to get you in the feel for autumn.

Kittens have become so ubiquitous in Regency collections that it's not always easy to find an agreeable litter. In this book, however, two out of three are terrific! The third misses only because Beast (the third story) is in no way a kitten. At least if he is, I certainly wouldn't want to be anywhere near him when he reaches his maturity! That said, though, this book is still a winner.

When a huge dog adopts a tiny kitten, who could know the outcome? Certainly not the dog's master nor the kitten's mistress. Ariadne Whitcombe had troubles enough just in trying to keep the roof over the heads of her mother and younger sister, plus herself, of course. Waiting for the new heir kept the ladies all on edge, for it would only be at his discretion that the Whitcombe women could stay in the Dower House.

Trying to protect a small kitten from a huge hound with only a broom for a weapon was perhaps not the best way to make the acquaintance of the Viscount St. Clare, but Ari couldn't help herself, even if the hound did belong to the handsome gentleman. The kitten is determined to spar with the dog, continually setting up meetings between the two humans, leading to a most satisfactory ending in this tale--INSEPARABLE--from one of Regency's best-selling authors, Janice Bennett.

A different sort of tale is told by Shannon Donnelly in CAT'S CRADLE. Bea is one persistent new Mama! She's determined that her kittens will be born and stay for their kittenhood in the library at Adair Manor, just the way she's always done it. Problem is, Adair Manor is no longer in the family, having been lost in a card game to a Sir Ashten Ravenhill. At first meeting, he doesn't appear to Emaline Adair Pearson to be the sort of stable, reliable person to give shelter to a new family of cats.

Of course, her two young sons disagree. Thomas and Will think the new owner is perfectly all right for anything at all, but most especially keeping watch over Bea and her family. And letting the boys share in the responsibility. Emaline thinks Bea and the kittens should stay in her home, but Bea disagrees. Eventually, the new Mama works her wiles on the wary ex-soldier and the prickly widow, forging new family ties and just incidentally, of course, securing her cupboard in the event of future kittens. A charming story from a talented new writer.

Another veteran, Mona Gedney presents Beast in all his unusual glory in LORD WINTERGREEN AND THE BEAST, a very unusual tale about a most unusual cat. Trevor Stanwick does not particularly care for being blackmailed, so he sets out to discover the whys and wherefores of the mystery letters. Is young Grant the rightful Earl or is he not? Did Trevor's older brother Edward really marry the young woman Marilee Masters and have a child by her, before his death several years earlier, in the new United States?

To be sure, Beast plays an important part in finding answers to these questions, and as entertaining as he is, the story still seems rushed, almost as though it had been cut down from a longer story. That, however, shouldn't deter anyone from reading this delightful anthology. Even if you don't usually care too much for cats . . .

"Inseparable" by Janice Bennett begins this anthology. I could not help but be reminded of a Disney movie called The Fox And The Hound. A tiny kitten, Sappho, and a huge hound, Hannibal, don't understand that they are suppose to be natural enemies. Their frolicking brings together an unlikely couple.

"Cat's Cradle" by Shannon Donnelly is next. It begins when a widow enters an estate to find her cat, Bea. She did find the at, but also a litter of new born kittens, just as the new owner of the estate walked in!

"Lord Wintergreen & The Beast" by Mona Gedney is last, and my personal favorite! When informed that his deceased brother had a son, Lord Trevor Wintergreen did not believe it. But when he was told that the boy and his mother lived in and ran "The Golden Lion Inn", he decided to stay a few days, incognito, to see the child. The instant Wintergreen saw the lad, he knew the boy was definitely his nephew! Wintergreen also found himself deeply attracted to the mother as well! Problem was that they had a very intelligent cat named Beast as their protector. And Beast seemed to know their latest guest was not a cat lover. Of course, this meant the feline simply HAD to adopt the gentleman, if only to torment him repeatedly!

*I do not often give anthologies such a high rating. Yet I feel that this one more than deserves it! This book made it to my "Keeper" book case. I have no doubt that I will be reading it more than once in the future! Excellent feline tales (pardon the pun) by three very talented regency authors! Brava! *

I think this is a very cute book. I know it will help younger kids learn about Alaska, while learning to count and recognize colors. My recommendation: If you have any kids under four, this is the colorful, fun book for them!

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK THAT COMBINES RHYME AND SEARCHING IN THE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR WHAT YOU'VE JUST SAID. MY TODDLER AND KINDERGARTEN KID FIND SOMETHING NEW EACH TIME WE READ. WE LOOK FOR GRIZZLY BEARS IN BLUEBERRY HEAVEN, RAINBOW TROUT PERFORMING FISHY TRICKS, THE COLORS TANGERINE, OLIVE, AND CRIMSON, OR FLIPPING BACK THROUGH THE BOOK TO FIND ANIMAL TRACKS. THE ILLUSTRATIONS ARE CAPTIVATING FOR THE KIDS AND THE TEXT KEEPS THE ADULT THINKING WHILE READING. THIS IS A WONDERFUL CHOICE TO LEARN ABOUT ALASKAN ANIMALS, COLORS, NUMBERS, AND EVEN SUBTRACTION.

I like this book because it teaches other kids their numbers, shapes and other things. It also teaches about Alaska's animals. The picturs are wonderful! Kids will love this book. It's a fun book to read.